Matthew 25:14-30; Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 90:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
The day of the Lord, the day of YAHWEH, the day of Christ, the day of judgment, whatever such day is, oh, we have been conditioned to fear “that day,” perhaps with good reason. Zephaniah warns of wrath, distress, anguish, ruin, devastation, and gloom on “that day.” Many other biblical writers have done the same across the New and Old Testaments. The words in 1 Thessalonians prophesy sudden destruction following peace and security. Matthew brings us a parable that depicts a harsh lord who reaps what he did not sow. The wrath of God is there! Therefore, we have been told, fear the Lord! Be a God-fearing person! Otherwise, be condemned to the outer darkness with eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Indeed, God judges us; and like children fearful of harsh punishment, we run to ride under the bed or outside the house, for we know the maker has a mighty arm and a heavy hand. It is often easier to believe in these threats than to trust in a generous God, slow to anger1, who wants us to be well and wait for us with open arms.
1 Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2.
Bridging Faith 